FY 21 22 AWCE NOFO.pdf

U.S. Department of the Interior September 2021 Bureau of Reclamation Interior Region 10 Sacramento, California

Notice of Funding Opportunity No. R21AS00553

Agricultural Water Use Efficiency Grants for Fiscal Years 2021 and 2022

Fostering District and Farmer Water Saving Partnerships

Mission Statements The Department of the Interior conserves and manages the Nation’s natural resources and cultural heritage for the benefit and enjoyment of the American people, provides scientific and other information about natural resources and natural hazards to address societal challenges and create opportunities for the American people, and honors the Nation’s trust responsibilities or special commitments to American Indians, Alaska Natives, and affiliated island communities to help them prosper.

The mission of the Bureau of Reclamation is to manage, develop, and protect water and related resources in an environmentally and economically sound manner in the interest of the American public.

Synopsis

Federal Agency Name: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation, Interior Region 10: California-Great Basin

Funding Opportunity Title: Agricultural Water Use Efficiency Grants for Fiscal Years (FY) 2021 and 2022

Announcement Type: Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) Notice of Funding Opportunity Number:

R21AS00553

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number:

15.572 Agricultural Water Use Efficiency Program

Dates:

(See NOFO Sec. D.4)

Proposals received before November 1, 2021, 1:00 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time (PDT) will be considered for Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 funding. Proposals received after November 2, 2021, 1:00 p.m.

PDT and before February 1, 2022, 1:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time (PST) will be considered for FY 2022 funding, contingent upon appropriations.

Eligible Applicants:

(See NOFO Sec. C.1)

States, Indian tribes, irrigation districts, water districts, or other organizations with water or power delivery authority located in the Western United States or United States Territories as identified in the Reclamation Act of June 17, 1902, as amended.

Recipient Cost Share:

(See NOFO Sec. C.2)

At least 50 percent of project costs.

Federal Funding Amount:

(See NOFO Sec. B.1)

Up to $500,000 per agreement.

Estimated Number of Agreements to be Awarded:

(See NOFO Sec. B.1)

Approximately 2-10 projects, contingent upon available Federal appropriations.

Application Checklist The following table contains a summary of the information that you are required to submit with your application.

What to submit

Required content

Form or format

When to submit

Mandatory Federal Forms:

Application for Federal Financial Assistance

Budget Information

Assurances

Disclosure of Lobbying Activities

See Sec. D.2.2.1 SF-424, SF-424A, SF-424B, SF-424C, SF-424D and SF-LLL forms may be obtained at www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-family.html

Title page See Sec. D.2.2.2 Page 15 *

Table of contents See Sec. D.2.2.3 Page 15 *

Technical proposal: *

Executive summary See Sec. D.2.2.4 Page 15 * See Sec. D.2.2.4 Page 15 *

Project description See Sec. D.2.2.4 Page 16 *

Evaluation criteria See Sec. E.1 Page 29 * Project Budget: *

Funding plan See Sec. D.2.2.5 Page 17 *

Budget proposal See Sec. D.2.2.5 Page 18 *

Budget narrative See Sec. D.2.2.5 Page 20 *

Environmental and cultural resources compliance

See Sec. F.2.1 Page 47 *

Required permits or approvals

See Sec. D.2.2.6 Page 24 *

Letters of support See Sec. D.2.2.7 Page 24 *

Official Resolutions See Sec. D.2.2.8 Page 24 **

Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management

See Sec. D.3 Page 25 ***

* Submit materials with your application.

** Document should be submitted with your application; however, please refer to the applicable section of the NOFO for extended submission date.

*** Should be completed prior to the application deadline; however, please refer to the applicable section of the NOFO for extended completion date.

http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-family.html

Acronyms and Abbreviations

AFY Acre-Feet per Year ASAP Automated Standard Application for Payments ARC Application Review Committee CE Categorical Exclusion CEC Categorical Exclusion Checklist CFR Code of Federal Regulations CWA Clean Water Act CWMP Cooperative Watershed Management Program Department U.S. Department of the Interior DUNS Data Universal Number System EA Environmental Assessment EIS Environmental Impact Statement EQIP Environmental Quality Incentives Program ESA Endangered Species Act ET Evapotranspiration FAPIIS Federal Award Performance Integrity Information System FAQ Frequently Asked Question FOIA Freedom of Information Act FONSI Finding of No Significant Impact FY Fiscal Year NEPA National Environmental Policy Act NHPA National Historic Preservation Act NOAA National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration NOFO Notice of Funding Opportunity NRCS Natural Resources Conservation Service OM&R Operations, Maintenance, and Replacement P.L. Public Law Reclamation Bureau of Reclamation SAM System of Award Management SCADA Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition and Automation U.S.C. United States Code USFWS U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service WaterSMART Sustain and Manage America’s Resources for Tomorrow

Contents Section A. Funding Opportunity Description

A.1. Program Information A.2. Objective of this Funding Opportunity Announcement A.3. Statutory Authority A.4. Other Related Funding Opportunities A.5. Collaboration with the Natural Resources Conservation Service

Section B. Award Information B.1. Total Project Funding B.2. Project Funding Limitations B.3. Environmental and Cultural Resource Compliance B.4. Assistance Instrument

Section C. Eligibility Information C.1. Eligible Applicants C.2. Cost Sharing Requirements C.3. Eligible Projects

Section D. Application and Submission Information D.1. Address to Request Application Package D.2. Content and Form of Application Submission D.3. Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management D.4. Submission Date and Time D.5. Intergovernmental Review D.6. Automated Standard Application for Payments Registration

Section E. Application Review Information E.1. Technical Proposal: Evaluation Criteria E.2. Review and Selection Process E.3. Federal Award Performance Integrity Information System E.4. Anticipated Announcement and Federal Award Date

Section F. Federal Award Administration Information F.1. Federal Award Notices F.2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements F.3. Reporting—Requirements and Distribution F.4. Conflicts of Interest F.5. Data Availability F.6. Releasing Applications

Section G. Agency Contacts G.1. Reclamation Financial Assistance Contact G.2. Reclamation Program Coordinator Contact H.1. Environmental and Cultural Resource Considerations H.2. Background on Federal Environmental and Cultural Resource Laws

Appendix A: Benefit Quantification and Performance Measures

Section A. Funding Opportunity Description

A.1. Program Information Through Agricultural Water Use Efficiency (AWUE) Grants, the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) leverages Federal and non-Federal funding to support stakeholder efforts to stretch scarce water supplies and avoid conflicts over water. The AWUE program also supports Reclamation’s priorities, including increasing water supplies, leveraging science and technology to improve water supply reliability, addressing ongoing drought, and improving water supplies for tribal and rural communities.

With these AWUE Grants, Reclamation aids states, tribes, irrigation districts, water districts, and other entities that have water or power delivery authority to undertake projects that result in quantifiable and sustained water savings and support broader water reliability benefits. AWUE Grants are funded with the intent of helping Agricultural interests in the Central Valley Projects solution area.

Through this NOFO, Reclamation provides funding for projects that increase water reliability consistent with Sections 3 and 4 of the October 19, 2018, Presidential Memorandum on Promoting the Reliable Supply and Delivery of Water in the West.

A list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about this and other NOFO’s can be found online at www.usbr.gov/WaterSMART/weeg/faq.html. The list of FAQs will be updated periodically during the application period. For further information on other funding opportunities including Sustain and Manage America’s Resources for Tomorrow (WaterSMART) Grants, please see www.usbr.gov/watersmart/ weeg/index.html. For further information on the WaterSMART Program, please see www.usbr.gov/WaterSMART.html.

A.2. Objective of this Funding Opportunity Announcement

The objective of this NOFO is to invite Indian tribes, irrigation districts, water districts, and other organizations with water or power delivery authority to leverage their money and resources by cost sharing with Reclamation on projects that seek to conserve and use water more efficiently; mitigate conflict risk in areas at a high risk of future water conflict; enable farmers to make additional on-farm improvements in the future, including improvements that may be eligible for Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) funding; and accomplish other benefits that contribute to water supply reliability in the western United States. There will be two funding periods. The first one ends on November 1, 2021. The second funding period ends on February 1, 2022.

https://www.usbr.gov/watersmart/weeg/faq.html https://www.usbr.gov/watersmart/weeg/index.html https://www.usbr.gov/watersmart/weeg/index.html https://www.usbr.gov/watersmart/

A.3. Statutory Authority This NOFO is issued under the authority of Section 9504(a) of the Secure Water Act, Subtitle F of Title IX of the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009, Public Law (P.L.) 111-11 (42 United States Code [U.S.C.] 10364).

A.4. Other Related Funding Opportunities Reclamation, through WaterSMART Grants, also provides other funding opportunities. Through Small-Scale Water Efficiency Projects, Reclamation provides funding for small-scale water management projects (up to $75,000 in Federal funding for each project) that have been identified through previous planning efforts. Reclamation has developed a streamlined selection and review process to reflect the small-scale nature of these projects.

In addition, through Water Marketing Strategy Grants, Reclamation provides funding to develop strategies to establish or expand water markets or water marketing activities between willing participants. Under this funding opportunity, applicants can conduct outreach and partnership building, scoping, and planning activities (e.g., hydrologic, legal, economic, and other types of analysis), and develop a strategy for the implementation of water marketing activities.

Reclamation provides funding for water management projects through several other programs under WaterSMART. Through the Drought Response Program, Reclamation provides funding to help build resilience to drought. Through Drought Contingency Planning, Reclamation supports the development of drought contingency plans with participation from a diverse set of stakeholders.

Reclamation also provides funding for Drought Resiliency Projects that increase water supply flexibility and improve water management to build long term resilience to drought and are supported by an existing drought contingency plan.

In addition, through the Cooperative Watershed Management Program (CWMP), Reclamation provides funding to watershed groups to encourage diverse stakeholders to form local solutions to address their watershed management needs. Reclamation provides funding through Phase I of the CWMP for watershed group development, restoration planning, and watershed management project design, and through Phase II for the implementation of watershed management projects.

For information on the timing for these NOFOs, please visit the WaterSMART Program website: www.usbr.gov/watersmart/.

https://www.usbr.gov/watersmart/index.html

A.5. Collaboration with the Natural Resources Conservation Service

Reclamation and NRCS are collaborating to align program resources in areas of California where our mission areas overlap to improve the impact of the agencies’ respective drought resiliency and water efficiency investments. Applicants under AWUE Grants receive additional consideration in the evaluation process for delivery system improvements that complement on-farm improvements supported by NRCS, such as those funded through their Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). Contingent on available appropriations, NRCS provides dedicated EQIP funding to support on-farm water efficiency improvements by producers served by water delivery systems improved through a WaterSMART Grant.

Please note that on-farm improvements themselves are not eligible activities for funding under this NOFO. NRCS will have a separate application process for the on-farm components of selected projects.

Under this NOFO, consideration will be given under Section E.1.2. Evaluation Criterion 2—Complementing On-Farm Irrigation Improvements for proposals that describe on-farm efficiency work that is currently being completed or is anticipated to be completed in collaboration with NRCS in the area (e.g., with a direct connection to the district’s water supply). Please contact your state NRCS office for more information regarding NRCS assistance. You can find the contact information for your state NRCS office on the United States Department of Agriculture’s website, www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/ contact/states/.

https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/contact/states/ https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/contact/states/

Section B. Award Information

B.1. Total Project Funding The FY 2021 budget request includes $1 million for AWUE Grants. Reclamation will determine the final amount of funding available for award under this NOFO once final FY 2021 appropriations have been made. The amount of funding available for awards under this NOFO will depend on the demand for funding under this and other Grants.

All awards are subject to a determination by Reclamation that FY 2021 appropriations are available. Applications submitted under this NOFO may also be considered if other funding becomes available in FY 2022.

B.2. Project Funding Limitations

The Federal share (Reclamation’s share in addition to any other sources of Federal funding) of any one proposed project shall not exceed 50 percent of the total project costs. Generally, the non-Federal share of project costs must be expended at the same or greater rate as the Federal share of project costs.

B.3. Environmental and Cultural Resource

Compliance All projects selected for funding under this NOFO will be required to comply with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and other Federal environmental and cultural resource laws and other regulations.

B.4. Assistance Instrument Project awards will be made through grants or cooperative agreements as applicable to each project. If a cooperative agreement is awarded, the recipient should expect Reclamation to have substantial involvement in the project.

Substantial involvement by Reclamation may include:

• Collaboration and participation with the recipient in the management of the project and close oversight of the recipient’s activities to ensure that the program objectives are being achieved.

• Oversight may include review, input, and approval at key interim stages of the project.

At the request of the recipient, Reclamation can provide technical assistance after award of the project. If you receive Reclamation’s assistance, you must account for these costs in your budget. To discuss available assistance and these costs, contact the Program Coordinator identified in Section G. Agency Contacts.

Section C. Eligibility Information

C.1. Eligible Applicants Under P.L. 111-11, Section 9504, an eligible applicant is a state, Indian tribe, irrigation district, water district, or other organization with water or power delivery authority.

Applicants must be located in California

Those not eligible include, but are not limited to, the following entities:

• Federal Governmental entities

• Individuals

• Institutes of higher education

• 501(c)4 organizations

• 501(c)6 organizations

C.2. Cost Sharing Requirements Applicants must be capable of cost sharing 50 percent or more of the total project costs. The total project cost is defined as the total allowable costs incurred under a Federal award and all required cost share and voluntary committed cost share contributions, including third-party contributions.

Cost share may be made through cash, costs contributed by the applicant, or third-party in-kind contributions. Third-party in-kind contributions include the value of non-cash contributions of property or services that benefit the federally assisted project and are contributed by non-Federal third parties, without charge. Cost share funding from sources outside the applicant’s organization (e.g., loans or state grants) should be secured and available to the applicant prior to award.

Please see Section D.2.2.9 Official Resolution and Section D.2.2.5 Funding Plan and Letters of Commitment for more information regarding the documentation required to verify commitments to meet cost sharing requirements.

C.2.1. Cost Share Regulations

All cost-share contributions must meet the applicable administrative and cost principles criteria established in 2 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 200, available at www.ecfr.gov.

C.2.2. Third-Party In-Kind Contributions

Third-party in-kind contributions may be in the form of equipment, supplies, and other expendable property, as well as the value of services directly benefiting and specifically identifiable to the proposed project. Applicants may not include as part of https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title02/2cfr200_main_02.tpl their cost-share for projects funded under this NOFO the cost or value of third-party in-kind contributions that have been or will be relied on to satisfy a cost-sharing or matching requirement for another Federal financial assistance agreement, a Federal procurement contract, or any other award of Federal funds. Applicants should refer to 2 CFR §200.434 Contributions and donations for regulations regarding the valuation of third-party in-kind contributions, available at www.ecfr.gov.

C.3. Eligible Projects C.3.1. Eligible Projects

Water conservation and efficiency projects eligible for funding under this NOFO are described below. Applications may include anyone, or a combination, of the types of projects described. In general, if you are seeking funding for multiple projects (e.g., a piping project and a hydropower project) and the projects are interrelated or closely related, they should be combined in one application.

Applicants may submit multiple project proposals; however, no more than $500,000 will be awarded in any FY to any one applicant under this NOFO.

C.3.1.1. Water Conservation Projects Water conservation projects result in quantifiable and sustained water savings or improved water management. Please note that an agreement will not be awarded for an improvement to conserve irrigation water unless the applicant agrees to the terms of Section 9504(a)(3)(B) of Public Law 111-11. See Section F.2.3.

Requirements for Agricultural Operations under Public Law 111-11, Section 9504(a)(3)(D) of this NOFO for further information. Eligible water conservation projects include:

• Canal Lining/Piping: Projects that line or pipe canals, resulting in conserved water. Projects include, but are not limited to:

o Installing new proven lining materials or technology o Converting open canals to pipeline o Constructing conveyance improvements, turnouts, or pipelines

• Irrigation Flow Measurement: Projects that improve measurement accuracy and result in reduced spills and over-deliveries to irrigators.

Projects include, but are not limited to:

o Installing weirs, flumes, ramps, etc. in open channels o Installing meters in pressurized pipes

• Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition and Automation (SCADA):

Projects that install SCADA and/or automation components that provide water savings when irrigation delivery system operational efficiency is improved to reduce spills, over-deliveries, and seepage. Projects include, but are not limited to:

o Installing SCADA components that allow for remote monitoring of irrigation delivery system conditions (flow rates, water elevations, controls devices openings, etc.)

o Installing automation components that allow for remote operation of delivery system control features (gates, valves, turnouts, etc.)

• Irrigation Measures: Projects that provide water savings by reducing Agricultural water usage. These measures include NRCS EQUIP Programs.

Please contact your local NRCS office to ask about programs that may be right for your situation.

C.3.2. Ineligible Projects

Any project not specifically described in Section 3.1. Eligible Projects is not eligible under this NOFO. The following subsections further explain ineligible projects.

C.3.2.1. Operations, Maintenance, and Replacement Projects that are considered normal operations, maintenance, and replacement (OM&R) are not eligible. OM&R is described as system improvements that replace or repair existing infrastructure or function without providing increased efficiency or effectiveness of water distribution over the expected life of the improvement.

Examples of ineligible OM&R projects include:

• Replacing malfunctioning components of an existing facility with the same components

• Improving an existing facility to operate as originally designed

• Performing an activity on a recurring basis, even if that period is extended (e.g., 10-year interval)

• Sealing expansion joints of concrete lining because the original sealer or the water stops have failed

• Sealing cracks in canals and/or pipes, including those sealant projects intending to improve facilities with inherent design and construction flaws

• Replacing broken meters with new meters of the same type

• Replacing leaky pipes with new pipes of the same type

• Completion of one-time leak detection surveys

Applicants that have questions regarding OM&R are encouraged to contact the Program Coordinator listed in Section G. Agency Contacts, prior to the application deadline for further information.

C.3.2.2. Water Reclamation, Recycling, and Reuse Water reclamation, reuse, and desalination projects are not eligible for funding under this NOFO. Entities seeking funding for these types of projects should consider Reclamation’s Title XVI Water Reclamation and Reuse Program and Drought Response Program. If you have questions about a water reclamation, reuse, or desalination project please contact Ms. Amanda Erath at aerath@usbr.gov.

C.3.2.3. Groundwater Recharge Groundwater recharge projects are not eligible. Applicants proposing such projects should consider applying for funding under the WaterSMART Drought Resiliency Projects NOFO. See the WaterSMART Drought Response Program webpage, www.usbr.gov/drought/, for more information.

C.3.2.4. Water Purchases A project that proposes using Federal funding primarily for the purchase of water is not eligible under this NOFO.

C.3.2.5. Building Construction A project that proposes to construct a building is not eligible for Federal funding under this NOFO (e.g., a building to house administrative staff or to promote public awareness of water conservation).

C.3.2.6. Pilot Projects A project that proposes to conduct a pilot study to evaluate technical capability, economic feasibility, or viability for full-scale implementation, or to test an unproven material or technology is not eligible for Federal funding under this

NOFO.

C.3.2.7. Other Types of Renewable Energy Projects Renewable energy projects other than hydropower projects, including large-scale solar, wind, and geothermal projects, are not eligible under this NOFO.

C.3.2.8. Projects Receiving Other Federal Financial Assistance Projects or activities that are funded under another Federal Financial Assistance agreement are not eligible for funding under this NOFO.

C.3.3. Length of Projects

In general, Funding projects should be completed within two years of award.

Applications for projects requiring more time will be considered for funding only under limited circumstances. For example, some project installations may require additional time to secure necessary permits.

Reclamation will determine the capability of an applicant to complete the proposed project within the timeframe identified in the application.

mailto:aerath@usbr.gov.

https://www.usbr.gov/drought/

Section D. Application and Submission Information

D.1. Address to Request Application Package This document contains all information, forms, and electronic addresses required to obtain the information required for submission of an application.

If you are unable to access this information electronically, you can request paper copies of any of the documents referenced in this NOFO by contacting:

By mail: Bureau of Reclamation

Attn: Ms. Leanne Henderson Email: lhenderson@usbr.gov

D.2. Content and Form of Application Submission All applications must conform to the requirements set forth below.

D.2.1. Application Format and Length

The technical proposal and criteria section (defined below) shall be limited to a maximum of 50 consecutively numbered pages. If this section of the application exceeds 50 pages, only the first 50 pages will be evaluated. The font shall be at least 12 points in size and easily readable. Page size shall be 8½ by 11 inches, including charts, maps, and drawings. Margins should be standard 1-inch margins. Oversized pages will not be accepted.

Applications will be prescreened for compliance to the above page number limitation. Excess pages will be removed and not considered in the evaluation of the proposed project.

D.2.2. Application Content

The application must include the following elements to be considered complete:

• Mandatory Federal Forms. Note, applications submitted by consultants must contain an SF-424 and SF-424D that is manually signed by an authorized representative of the entity applying.

o SF-424 Application for Federal Assistance.

o SF-424C Budget Information – Construction Programs o SF-424D Assurances – Construction Programs o SF-LLL Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (if applicable) These forms may be obtained at www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf- 424-family.html

• Title page mailto:lhenderson@usbr.gov

• Table of contents

• Technical proposal and evaluation criteria (limited to 50 pages) o Executive summary o Project location o Technical project description o Evaluation criteria

• Project budget o Funding plan and letters of commitment o Budget proposal o Budget narrative

• Environmental and cultural resources compliance

• Required permits or approvals

• Letters of project support

• Official resolution

It is highly recommended that application packages be structured in the order identified above.

D.2.2.1. Mandatory Federal Forms The application must include the following standard Federal forms:

SF-424 Application for Federal Assistance

A fully completed SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance signed by a person legally authorized to commit the applicant to performance of the project must be submitted with the application. Failure to submit a properly signed SF-424 may result in the elimination of the application from further consideration.

SF-424C Budget Information

A fully completed SF-424C Budget Information Construction Programs must be submitted with the application.

SF-424D Assurances

A SF-424D Assurances Construction Programs, signed by a person legally authorized to commit the applicant to performance of the project shall be included. Failure to submit a properly signed SF-424D may result in the elimination of the application from further consideration.

SF-LLL Disclosure of Lobbying Activities

A fully completed and signed SF-LLL, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities is required is required if the applicant has made or agreed to make payment to any lobbying entity for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any agency, a Member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a Member of Congress in connection with a covered Federal action. Note – this form cannot be submitted by a contractor or other entity on behalf of an applicant.

D.2.2.2. Title Page Provide a brief, informative, and descriptive title for the proposed work that indicates the nature of the project. Include the name and address of the applicant, and the name and address, email address, and telephone of the project manager.

D.2.2.3. Table of Contents List all major sections of the proposal in the table of contents.

D.2.2.4. Technical Proposal and Evaluation Criteria The technical proposal and evaluation criteria (50 pages maximum) include:

(1) Executive summary

(2) Project Location

(3) Technical project description

(4) Evaluation criteria

Executive Summary

The executive summary should include:

• The date, applicant name, city, county, and state

• A one paragraph project summary that provides the location of the project, a brief description of the work that will be carried out, any partners involved, expected benefits and how those benefits relate to the water management issues you plan to address. Please note: this information will be used to create a summary of your project for our website if the project is selected for funding. For example, note the following description of a project selected for funding in FY 2020:

Example: The XXX Water District, located in XXX near the XXX border, along with the XXX Tribe, will construct conveyance improvements for the XXX structure, which is a series of gated culverts that act as a major chokepoint in the District’s delivery system. The District will replace the existing XXX with new more advanced metal gates and XX feet of pipeline to increase water use efficiency and reliability through optimal flow rates, reduced leakage, and reduced operational losses. The project is a top priority for the District and the Tribe and is expected to result in annual water savings of X,XXX acre-feet, which will remain in the XXX System.

• State the length of time and estimated completion date for the proposed project

• Whether or not the proposed project is located on a Federal facility

Project Location

Provide detailed information on the proposed project location or project area including a map showing the specific geographic location. For example, {project name}is located in {state and county} approximately {distance} miles {direction, e.g., northeast} of {nearest town}. The project latitude is {##°##’N} and longitude is {###°##’W}.

Technical Project Description

Provide a more comprehensive description of the technical aspects of your project, including the work to be accomplished and the approach to complete the work. This description should provide detailed information about the project including materials and equipment and the work to be conducted to complete the project. This section provides an opportunity for the applicant to provide a clear description of the technical nature of the project and to address any aspect of the project that reviewers may need additional information to understand.

Please do not include your project schedule and milestones here; that information is requested in response to the Readiness to Proceed criterion below. In addition, please avoid discussion of the benefits of the project, which are also requested in response to evaluation criteria. This section is solely intended to provide an understanding of the technical aspects of the project.

Please note, if the work for which you are requesting funding is a phase of a larger project, please only describe the work that is reflected in the budget and exclude description of other activities or components of the overall project.

Evaluation Criteria

The evaluation criteria portion of your application should thoroughly address each criterion and subcriterion in the order presented to assist in the complete and accurate evaluation of your proposal.

(See Section E.1. Technical Proposal: Evaluation Criteria for additional details, including a detailed description of each criterion and subcriterion and points associated with each.)

It is suggested that applicants copy and paste the evaluation criteria and subcriteria in Section E.1. Technical Proposal: Evaluation Criteria into their applications to ensure that all necessary information is adequately addressed.

D.2.2.5. Project Budget The project budget includes:

(1) Funding plan and letters of commitment

(2) Budget proposal

(3) Budget narrative

If the proposed project is selected, the awarding Reclamation Grants Officer will review the proposed pre-award costs to determine if they are consistent with program objectives and are allowable in accordance with the authorizing legislation. Proposed pre-award costs must also be compliant with all applicable administrative and cost principles criteria established in 2 CFR Part 200, available at www.ecfr.gov, and all other requirements of this NOFO. Costs incurred prior to January 1, 2021 are not eligible project costs under this NOFO and should not be included in the proposed budget estimate.

Please note, Budget Proposals must not include costs for the purchase of water or land, or to secure an easement other than a construction easement. These costs are not eligible project costs under this NOFO.

Funding Plan and Letters of Commitment

Describe how the non-Federal share of project costs will be obtained.

Reclamation will use this information in making a determination of financial capability.

Project funding provided by a source other than the applicant shall be supported with letters of commitment from these additional sources. Letters of commitment shall identify the following elements:

• The amount of funding commitment

• The date the funds will be available to the applicant

• Any time constraints on the availability of funds

• Any other contingencies associated with the funding commitment

Commitment letters from third party funding sources should be submitted with your application. If commitment letters are not available at the time of the application submission, please provide a timeline for submission of all commitment letters. Cost-share funding from sources outside the applicant’s organization (e.g., loans or State grants), should be secured and available to the applicant prior to award.

Reclamation will not make funds available for an award under this NOFO until the recipient has secured non-Federal cost-share. Reclamation will execute a financial assistance agreement once non-Federal funding has been secured or Reclamation determines that there is sufficient evidence and likelihood that non-Federal funds will be available to the applicant subsequent to executing the agreement.

Please identify the sources of the non-Federal cost-share contribution for the project, including:

• Any monetary contributions by the applicant towards the cost-share requirement and source of funds (e.g., reserve account, tax revenue, and/or assessments).

• Any costs that will be contributed by the applicant.

• Any third-party in-kind costs (i.e., goods and services provided by a third party).

• Any cash requested or received from other non-Federal entities.

• Any pending funding requests (i.e., grants or loans) that have not yet been approved and explain how the project will be affected if such funding is denied.

In addition, please identify whether the budget proposal includes any project costs that have been or may be incurred prior to award. For each cost, describe:

o The project expenditure and amount.

o The date of cost incurrence.

o How the expenditure benefits the project.

Budget Proposal

The total project cost (TPC), is the sum of all allowable items of costs, including all required cost sharing and voluntary committed cost sharing, including third-party contributions, that are necessary to complete the project.

Table 1. Total Project Cost Table

SOURCE AMOUNT

Costs to be reimbursed with the requested Federal funding $ Costs to be paid by the applicant $ Value of third-party contributions $

TOTAL PROJECT COST $

The budget proposal should include detailed information on the categories listed below and must clearly identify all items of cost, including those that will be contributed as non-Federal cost share by the applicant (required and voluntary), third-party in-kind contributions, and those that will be covered using the funding requested from Reclamation, and any requested pre-award costs. Unit costs must be provided for all budget items including the cost of services or other work to be provided by consultants and contractors. Applicants are strongly encouraged to review the procurement standards for Federal awards found at 2 CFR §200.317 through §200.326 before developing their budget proposal. If you have any questions regarding your budget proposal or eligible costs, please contact the grants management specialist identified in Section G. Agency Contacts.

It is also strongly advised that applicants use the budget proposal format shown on the next page in Table 2 or a similar format that provides this information. If selected for award, successful applicants must submit detailed supporting documentation for all budgeted costs. It is not necessary to include separate columns indicating which cost is being contributed as non-Federal cost share or which costs will be reimbursed with Federal funds.

Table 2. Sample Budget Proposal Format

BUDGET ITEM DESCRIPTION COMPUTATION Quantity

Type

TOTAL

COST $/Unit Quantity

Salaries and Wages Employee 1 $ Employee 2 $ Employee 3 $ Fringe Benefits Full-Time Employees $ Part-Time Employees $ Travel Trip 1 $ Trip 2 $ Trip 3 $ Equipment Item A $ Item B $ Item C $ Supplies and Materials Item A $ Item B $

Contractual/Construction Contractor A $ Contractor B $ Third-Party Contributions Contributor A $ Contributor B $ Other Other $

TOTAL DIRECT COSTS $

Indirect Costs Type of rate percentage $base $

TOTAL ESTIMATED PROJECT COSTS $

Budget Narrative

Submission of a budget narrative is mandatory. An award will not be made to any applicant who fails to fully disclose this information. The budget narrative provides a discussion of, or explanation for, items included in the budget proposal. The types of information to describe in the narrative include, but are not limited to, those listed in the following subsections. Costs, including the valuation of third-party in-kind contributions, must comply with the applicable cost principles contained in 2 CFR Part §200, available at the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (https://www.ecfr.gov).

Salaries and Wages

Indicate the Project Manager and other key personnel by name and title. The Project Manager must be an employee or board member of the applicant. Other personnel should be indicated by title alone. For all positions, indicate salaries and wages, estimated hours or percent of time, and rate of compensation. The labor rates must identify the direct labor rate separate from the fringe rate or fringe cost for each category. All labor estimates must be allocated to specific tasks as outlined in the applicant’s technical project description. Labor rates and proposed hours shall be displayed for each task.

The budget proposal and narrative should include estimated hours for compliance with reporting requirements, including final project and evaluation. Please see Section F.3. Program Performance Reports for information on types and frequency of reports required.

Generally, salaries of administrative and/or clerical personnel will be included as a portion of the stated indirect costs. If these salaries can be adequately documented as direct costs, they should be included in this section; however, a justification should be included in the budget narrative.

Fringe Benefits

Identify the rates/amounts, what costs are included in this category, and the basis of the rate computations. Federally approved rate agreements are acceptable for compliance with this item.

Travel

Identify the purpose of each anticipated trip, destination, number of persons traveling, length of stay, and all travel costs including airfare (basis for rate used), per diem, lodging, and miscellaneous travel expenses. For local travel, include mileage and rate of compensation.

Equipment

If equipment will be purchased, itemize all equipment valued at or greater than $5,000. For each item, identify why it is needed for the completion of the project and how the equipment was priced. Note: if the value is less than $5,000, the item should be included under materials and supplies.

If equipment is being rented, specify the number of hours and the hourly rate. Local rental rates are only accepted for equipment actually being rented or leased.

If the applicant intends to use their own equipment for the purposes of the project, the proposed usage rates should fall within the equipment usage rates outlined by the United States Army Corps of Engineers within their Construction Equipment Ownership and Operating Expense Schedule (EP 1110-1-8) at www.publications.usace.army.mil/USACE-Publications/Engineer- Pamphlets/u43545q/313131302D312D38.

Note: If the equipment will be furnished and installed under a construction contract, the equipment should be included in the construction contract cost estimate.

Materials and Supplies

Itemize supplies by major category, unit price, quantity, and purpose, such as whether the items are needed for office use, research, or construction. Identify how these costs were estimated (i.e., quotes, engineering estimates, or other methodology). Note: If the materials/supplies will be furnished and installed under a contract, the equipment should be included in the construction contract cost estimate.

Contractual

Identify all work that will be accomplished by consultants or contractors, including a breakdown of all tasks to be completed, and a detailed budget estimate of time, rates, supplies, and materials that will be required for each task. For each proposed contract, identify the procurement method that will be used to select the consultant or contractor and the basis for selection. Please note that all procurements with an anticipated aggregate value that exceeds the Micro- purchase Threshold (currently $10,000) must use a competitive procurement method (see 2 CFR §200.320 – Methods of procurement to be followed). Only contracts for architectural/engineering services can be awarded using a qualifications-based procurement method. If a qualifications-based procurement method is used, profit must be negotiated as a separate element of the contract price. See 2 CFR §200.317 through §200.326 for additional information regarding procurements, including required contract content.

Note: A modification to an existing contract for services without first obtaining multiple quotes or proposals is considered a noncompetitive procurement, regardless of the method used to award the existing contract.

Third-Party In-Kind Contributions

Identify all work that will be accomplished by third-party contributors, including a breakdown of all tasks to be completed, and a detailed budget estimate of time, rates, supplies, and materials that will be required for each task. Third-party in-kind contributions, including contracts, must comply with all applicable administrative and cost principles criteria, established in 2 CFR Part 200, available at www.ecfr.gov, and all other requirements of this NOFO.

Environmental and Regulatory Compliance Costs

Prior to awarding financial assistance, Reclamation must first ensure compliance with Federal environmental and cultural resources laws and other regulations (“environmental compliance”). Every project funded under this program will have environmental compliance activities undertaken by Reclamation and the recipient.

Depending on the potential impacts of the project, Reclamation may be able to complete its compliance activities without additional cost to the recipient. Where https://www.publications.usace.army.mil/USACE-Publications/Engineer-Pamphlets/u43545q/313131302D312D38 https://www.publications.usace.army.mil/USACE-Publications/Engineer-Pamphlets/u43545q/313131302D312D38 environmental or cultural resources compliance requires significant participation by Reclamation, costs incurred by Reclamation will be added as a line item to the budget during development of the financial assistance agreement and cost shared accordingly (i.e., withheld from the Federal award amount). Any costs to the recipient associated with compliance will be identified during the process of developing a final project budget for inclusion in the financial assistance agreement.

Other Expenses

Any other expenses not included in the above categories shall be listed in this category, along with a description of the item and why it is necessary. No profit or fee will be allowed.

Indirect Costs

Indirect costs are costs incurred by the applicant for a common or joint purpose that benefit more than one activity of the organization and are not readily assignable to the activities specifically benefitted without undue effort. Costs that are normally treated as indirect costs include, but are not limited to, administrative salaries and fringe benefits associated with overall financial and organizational administration; operation and maintenance costs for facilities and equipment; and, payroll and procurement services. If indirect costs will be incurred, identify the proposed rate, cost base, and proposed amount for allowable indirect costs based on the applicable cost principles for the applicant’s organization. It is not acceptable to simply incorporate indirect rates within other direct cost line items.

If the applicant has never received a Federal negotiated indirect cost rate, the budget may include a de minimis rate of up to 10 percent of modified total direct costs. For further information on modified total direct costs, refer to 2 CFR §200.1 available at www.ecfr.gov.

If the applicant does not have a federally approved indirect cost rate agreement and is proposing a rate greater than the de minimis 10 percent rate, include the computational basis for the indirect expense pool and corresponding allocation base for each rate. Information on “Preparing and Submitting Indirect Cost Proposals” is available from the Department, the Interior Business Center, and Indirect Cost Services, at www.doi.gov/ibc/services/finance/indirect-cost- services.

If the proposed project is selected for award, the recipient will be required to submit an indirect cost rate proposal with their cognizant agency within three months of award. Reimbursement of indirect costs will not be allowable until the recipient enters into the indirect cost rate agreement.

D.2.2.6. Required Permits or Approvals Applicants must state in the application whether any permits or approvals are required and explain the plan for obtaining such permits or approvals.

Note that improvements to Federal facilities that are implemented through any project awarded funding through this NOFO must comply with additional requirements. The Federal government will continue to hold title to the Federal facility and any improvement that is integral to the existing operations of that facility. Please see P.L. 111-11, Section 9504(a)(3)(B). Reclamation may also https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title02/2cfr200_main_02.tpl http://www.doi.gov/ibc/services/finance/indirect-cost-services http://www.doi.gov/ibc/services/finance/indirect-cost-services http://www.doi.gov/ibc/services/finance/indirect-cost-services require additional reviews and approvals prior to award to ensure that any necessary easements, land use authorizations, or special permits can be approved consistent with the requirements of 43 CFR Section 429, and that the development will not impact or impair project operations or efficiency.

D.2.2.7. Letters of Support Please include letters from interested stakeholders supporting the proposed project. To ensure your proposal is accurately reviewed, please attach all letters of support/ partnership letters as an appendix. Letters of support received after the application deadline for this NOFO will not be considered in the evaluation of the proposed

D.2.2.8. Official Resolution Include an official resolution adopted by the applicant’s board of directors or governing body, or, for State government entities, an official authorized to commit the applicant to the financial and legal obligations associated with receipt of a financial assistance award under this NOFO, verifying:

• The identity of the official with legal authority to enter into an agreement.

• The board of directors, governing body, or appropriate official who has reviewed and supports the application submitted.

• The capability of the applicant to provide the amount of funding and/or in-kind contributions specified in the funding plan.

• That the applicant will work with Reclamation to meet established deadlines for entering into a grant or cooperative agreement.

An official resolution meeting the requirements set forth above is mandatory. If the applicant is unable to submit the official resolution by the application deadline because of the timing of board meetings or other justifiable reasons, the official resolution may be submitted up to 30 days after the application deadline, via email to the contact listed in Section D.1. of this NOFO.

D.3. Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management

All applicants (unless the applicant has an exception approved by Reclamation under 2 CFR §25.110[d]) are required to:

(i) Be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) before submitting its application,

(ii) Provide a valid unique entity identifier in its application; and

(iii) Continue to maintain an active SAM registration with current information at all times during which it has an active Federal award or an application or plan under consideration by a Federal…